Seattle, the team Sporting News picked to win the Super Bowl, destroyed the San Francisco 49ers. If the Seahawks didn't already have your attention, you certainly can't dismiss them now. A balanced and dynamic offense is paired with a shutdown defense.

It's like Richard Sherman said—the Seahawks are on another level.

But others are giving chase. Specifically, the New Orleans Saints and their strong defense is closing strong, while the Denver Broncos are staying in striking distance.

Let's dig in: NFL Power Rankings heading into the third week of game action.

Why they're here: Peyton Manning cooled down a bit against his brother, but at the same time, Knowshon Moreno helped rev up the running game and Trindon Holliday sparked the return game. What a complete performance vs. the Giants.

How they move up: Keep rolling and hope the Seahawks slip up soon.

How they move down: If they let the foot injury to left tackle Ryan Clady slow down their yardage and scoring pace. With Manning, it's hard to see that happening.

Why they're here: Thank Matt Schaub for leading another massive comeback, as the Monday night semi-miracle at San Diego was trumped by the surge to save face at home vs. Tennessee. It's clear they have the firepower (hello, DeAndre Hopkins) to win games in more ways.

How they move up: With Baltimore, Seattle and San Francisco as their next three games, the path to No. 1 is right there in front of them.

How they move down: Keep living dangerously and give up big leads. They won't be able to rally in the same way against better competition.

What's next: at Baltimore, where former Raven Ed Reed will try to play for the first time for his new team when he's feted by his old team.

Why they're here: It hasn't been pretty, as Tom Brady and the offense have been far out of sync from their usual lofty, prolific standard. But then again, Chandler Jones and the defense has made the necessary plays, and they still have two division wins.

How they move up: Start looking like the Patriots' offense we are used to seeing. Getting Rob Gronkowski back in Week 3 would be nice.

How they move down: If they don't tune up in time for potential shootouts with Atlanta, Cincinnati and New Orleans that are on the horizon.

What's next: vs. Tampa Bay, when they will make sure to keep Adrian Clayborn far away from Brady.

Why they're here: Aaron Rodgers and his magnificent flying machines. It must feel good to have Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson and James Jones streaking down the field at will, right? The Redskins still feel bad about it.

How they move up: Going into their Week 4 bye with another impressive victory, this time on the road against the AFC North power Bengals.

How they move down: Stumble a bit at Cincinnati, and suddenly are 1-2 going into that bye.

What's next: at Cincinnati, when Rodgers will need to negotiate a minefield of a pass rush.

Why they're here: Defense. That's really not good for the rest of the NFC, given the Saints were able to start 2-0 without Drew Brees not really finding his groove with their offense. The Sean Payton and Rob Ryan effects have also have given New Orleans that playoff swagger again.

How they move up: Keep holding serve at home the next two weeks, in preparation for a potential huge game at Chicago in Week 5.

How they move down: The next two opponents, the Cardinals and Dolphins, are defensive-minded and can give Brees more trouble if he doesn’t better protect the ball and keeps getting little help from the running game.

Why they're here: Offense. Jay Cutler is well protected, getting the ball out quickly and well to Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett. Although some of those same old Cutler mistakes are there, he's been sharpest in the fourth quarter.

How they move up: Cut down on the turnovers, force a few more and get the dormant pass rush going.

How they move down: Fail to carry the momentum from Soldier Field to the road, where they'll be against the tough defensive fronts of the Steelers and Lions in the next two weeks.

What's next: at Pittsburgh, where they'll face a most desperate team on Sunday night.

Why they're here: The champs got blitzed by Peyton Manning and Denver in Week 1, and kind of limped through what should have been a much easier home opener of Cleveland.

How they move up: Redeem their AFC status with a home win over the Texans, and work harder on the road to be 4-1 going into a Week 6 home date vs. Green bay.

How they move down: Let the injury to Ray Rice and passing-game inconsistency further drag their slow-starting offense.

What's next: vs. Houston, as the emotions will be high after seeing Ed Reed in a different uniform.

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Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Last week: 10

Why they're here: The Falcons' preseason issues (offensive line, running game, pass defense) are all showing up early, but now injury adversity has piled on (Roddy White, Steven Jackson, Kroy Biermann, Sean Weatherspoon). For now, Matt Ryan is still loaded enough in the passing game with Julio Jones to carry the team a bit.

How they move up: They get two undefeated teams from the AFC East, the Dolphins and the Patriots back to back. That means riding the right arm of Ryan a little more.
How they move down: Put Ryan in a difficult position with little run-pass balance, and the absence of Jackson won't help that. These next two weeks are critical to the team's 2013 hopes.

What's next: at Miami, which will put the heat on the Falcons to try to win another tight one.

Why they're here: The team we tabbed as AFC North favorites and Super Bowl contenders in the preseason showed up against Pittsburgh on Monday night with a dominant 20-10 victory. The defense remains as nasty as ever, and the offense might be turning a corner with Andy Dalton settling in with his talented young weapons.

How they move up: Show off the offense in grander style with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers coming to town.

How they move down: Get too aggressive with their defense, and not aggressive enough with their offense.

What's next: vs. Green Bay, a good test for how far the young playoff team has really come.

Why they're here: Jacksonville was a bit of free space, but they really flexed their defensive muscles against the Cowboys to increase their belief that they can go from 2-14 to the playoffs. The offense of Andy Reid and Alex Smith has the desired effect of steadiness.

How they move up: Keep Reid rolling through the reunion tour with the NFC East, which includes the Eagles and Giants in the next two weeks.

How they move down: Play it too close to the vest with their offense. They want Alex Smith to be efficient and protect the ball, but they need to take some shots to keep up in shootouts.

What's next: at Philadelphia, where Reid will be "welcomed" back on Thursday.

Why they're here: The Cowboys are back at it, playing close games. Although they slipped by the Giants, it was disconcerting that they couldn't quite finish on the Chiefs. One thing is clear: Their defense is much improved and more active under Monte Kiffin.

How they move up: The schedule really starts to open up to rack some wins, and in between, they'll get their direct shot at Denver at home in Week 5.

How they move down: Keep getting little from their run blocking and DeMarco Murray, putting too much pressure on Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.

What's next: vs. St. Louis, where Sam Bradford will return to where he got hurt in college.

Last week: 20Why they're here: The Dolphins have come out with a ferocious pass rush, strong run defense and an improved passing game with Ryan Tannehill to get an early jump in the wild-card race with a pair of Midwest road wins.

How they move up: We'll see just how far Tannehill and his revamped weapons (see Mike Wallace) have come as they duel with the high-flying Falcons this week.
How they move down: They can't afford to keep giving Tannehill an anemic running game with downfield play-action a big part of his success.

What's next: vs. Atlanta, a game which will quickly tell us if they are "for real."

Last week: 14
Why they're here: A whole lot of offense, and not much defense. The Eagles will keep speeding up, scoring a lot and be fun to watch, and they need it as many more shootouts are ahead with Chip Kelly.
How they move up: Play just a little more defense late in games, to not waste the big efforts of Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. They're in no position to take their feet off the gas.

How they move down: The volume of plays means giving up plenty of hits and wear on Vick and McCoy, and there should be concern how long they can last at this rate.

Why they're here: They haven't been able to run the ball, or stop the pass. They aren't protecting the ball either. It's left Eli Manning trying to make up for all their mistakes, and making a lot more of his own.

How they move up: If there's one team built to recover from a slow start, or even a midseason stumble, it's the Giants. Tom Coughlin and Manning just have a knack for a sudden turnaround toward the top.

How they move down: Struggle more against a good Panthers defense, and get stuck at 0-3 after playing another 0-2 team.

What's next: at Carolina, where the Giants waltzed to a huge Thursday night win in 2012.

Why they're here: There's no doubt they have a more dynamic offense, with Jared Cook and Tavon Austin already paying dividends. Defensively, their pass rush and cover men looked strong against one shaky offense (Arizona) and weak vs. a steady one (Atlanta).

How they move up: The Rams won't be intimidated by the Cowboys, and Jeff Fisher will push the envelope again so his team has a shot in every game.

How they move down: If Sam Bradford doesn't take advantage of his new receivers and better protection by making big mental errors.

Why they're here: It's the same old Lions. Their offense looked like world-beaters in Week 1 over the Vikings, and just when it looked like their defense would burn the Cardinals, the lack of consistent discipline and execution reared their ugly heads.

How they move up: Find their winning identity again and stick with it. You never know what you will get from Detroit, despite the immense talent at the skill positions and defensive line.

How they move down: Stay sloppy, because the next three opponents—the Redskins, Bears and Packers—can take full advantage of it.

Why they're here: Philip Rivers and Eddie Royal have their passing game humming under offensive-minded rookie coach Mike McCoy, and they are very close to being 2-0. The reason they aren't is a defense that has given too many big plays downfield.

How they move up: The streaky Rivers stays hot, and they can somehow get Ryan Mathews going in the backfield, too. The pass protection has been a nice surprise.

How they move down: If they don't shore up the problems on the back end and make Rivers win more high-scoring affairs.

What's next: at Tennessee, cross country again against one hard-hitting defense.

Why they're here: They are a bit of a mess, relying too much on Adrian Peterson and big plays from defense and special teams. At the same time, they're not getting enough big plays from Christian Ponder, and bigger mistakes.

How they move up: Settle down in their home opener after a brutal 1-2 division road punch.

How they move down: Ponder continues to struggle and not protect the ball, taking away from Leslie Frazier's desired physical winning formula.

Why they're here: The Titans have showed a lot of defensive fight, and have been getting away with a run-heavy approach because of it.

How they move up: Let Jake Locker loose a bit. The running game with Chris Johnson looks stronger, and Gregg Williams' aggressiveness has increased the takeaway quotient.
How they move down: Keep trying to hide their quarterback as they start to face more good ones.

What's next: vs. San Diego, in an early AFC wild-card unofficial elimination game.

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Washington Redskins (0-2)

Last week: 21

Why they're here: The defense. Blame Robert Griffin III not being close to 100 percent all you want, but it's unfair for even the healthiest of quarterbacks to make ground with the Redskins giving up anything and everything.

How they move up: Don't panic and go back to the bread and butter of the traditional running game to help better set up RG3 early in the vertical passing game.

How they move down: If they don't shore up the secondary, despite having a talented pass rush (see Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo).

Why they're here: Have you seen their offense? Ben Roethlisberger is trying to be the savior, but it's hard with limited linemen, short targets and a non-existent running game. It's a shame, because LaMarr Woodley and the defense is doing its job.

How they move up: Get Heath Miller back, get Le'Veon Bell back and give rookie Markus Wheaton more targets to be a difference maker.

How they move down: They keep letting Roethlisberger get hung out to dry, and don't help him with lousy play-calling.

Why they're here: The Cardinals will be a roller coaster all season. They are riding on a one-dimensional, mistake-filled offense, and counting on their inconsistent defense to be timely with stops and takeaways.

How they move up: Better protect the ball, starting with quarterback Carson Palmer. Let Tyrann Mathieu start touching the ball, too, a la Patrick Peterson.
How they move down: If they don't find a semblance of a running game and a more consistent pass defense.
What's next: at New Orleans, where Palmer will duel Drew Brees.

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Buffalo Bills (1-1)

Last week: 29

Why they're here: EJ Manuel has shaken off the rookie jitters, and was pretty calm late to help the Bills get his first win.

How they move up: Keep riding with the running game, as C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are an ideal duo to take pressure off Manuel. Speaking of pressure, Mario Williams looks possessed rocking other QBs.

How they move down: Manuel's mental mistakes will happen, but they need to limit them as much as possible to have any shot of winning.

What's next: at New York Jets, where Manuel goes up against fellow rookie Geno Smith.

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Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Last week: 24

Why they're here: They are back to their old habits of not being able to finish out close games, putting their mental toughness into questions. Also familiar is the lack of offensive support all-around for Cam Newton.

How they move up: Work at bearing down at the end of games, and not blowing a good afternoon with one bad penalty (see Luke Kuechly).

How they move down: Keep staying stagnant offensively, and let teams start running well on them again.

What's next: vs. New York Giants, before what could be one very long bye week.

How they move up: Have Smith prove he should have been the first quarterback drafted head-to-head vs. EJ Manuel.

How they move down: They stray away from the run, putting too much pressure on Smith and wasting a nasty defense.

What's next: vs. Buffalo, what figures to be another nip-and-tuck division tilt.

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Oakland Raiders (1-1)

Last week: 30

Why they're here: Terrelle Pryor has been a pleasant surprise, more than saving face at quarterback. Although they can't hang with elite QB teams, they showed he's a lot better than, say, Jacksonville has under center.

How they move up: Keep letting Pryor loose and support him better with Darren McFadden and the traditional running game.

How they move down: If they keep getting little from their pass rush and secondary when those opponents’ QBs are that good.

What's next: at Denver, where they will get a wake-up call from Peyton Manning.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)

Last week: 26

Why they're here: They can't win close games, despite gritty defensive efforts, because of their utter lack of discipline under Greg Schiano. Case in point is the costly Dashon Goldson helmet-to-helmet penalty that will keep the thumping safety out one week. He is appealing the suspension.

How they move up: Clean up the little things and suddenly get some above-average play from Josh Freeman.

How they move down: Look like a team that's about to quit on its QB and coach.

What's next: at New England, where they're about to see a much better Tom Brady.

How they move up: With whichever quarterback, getting back to stretching the field with returning Josh Gordon. It's the element that can both boost Richardson and make Jordan Cameron that more effective.

How they move down: Continue the offensive ineptitude by not being aggressive or effective running, despite a good offensive line.

What's next: at Minnesota, where Adrian Peterson is what the Browns need Richardson to be.

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Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)

Last week: 32

Why they're here: Both quarterbacks, Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert, have looked awful, and their offense has produced only nine points, all last week in the 19-9 loss at Oakland.
How they move up: Just unleash their youth, Cecil Shorts, Ace Sanders, Denard Robinson, and hope for the best while Henne is off kilter.
How they stay down: Not getting Maurice Jones-Drew back in a hurry.